Name: Sydney
Rating: 4.5

Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Overview

Built-in 1898, Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is an architectural marvel built in the Romanesque Revival style, housing some of the best and up-scale shopping brands. The interiors of the building are equally spectacular and look down upon more than 180 stores where you can shop for fashion, jewellery, art, homewares and much more. Worry not when tired; the place also has fine dining where one can relax, dine, drink, and continue shopping again!

Queen Victoria Statue at Queen Victoria Building Sydney Australia — Queen Victoria Building was Built in 1898 in Honour of Queen Victoria (Source)

The Queen Victoria Building in Sydney is a fine example of Victorian-era architecture in Australia preserved in its pristine condition. Designed to replace the Sydney markets as the Queen Victoria Market in the late nineteenth century, the QVB holds more than 150 of Sydney’s finest boutiques and shops, making it a must-visit for shopaholics and history-buffs visiting the city. Occupying an entire block of Sydney’s Central Business District on George Street, the heritage-listed Queen Victoria Building has quickly become the most prestigious shopping centre of Sydney, as well as one of its many iconic landmarks. The most striking feature of this gorgeous building is the grand central dome, an eye-catcher from anywhere in the area. Whether you want to witness the magnificent architectural detail of QVB, a combination of the 19th century Romanesque and Byzantine styles, be amazed at the exotic glass stained windows or shop till you drop at one of the many famous stores here, the Queen Victoria Building is the perfect place for you to visit while wandering Sydney’s fascinating CBD. Once you are done shopping to your heart’s content, be sure to grab a bite or some coffee at the fantastic restaurants and cafes in the building.

Shopping at Queen Victoria Building

With 6 levels and four floors dedicated to shopping, the 3-storey Queen Victoria Building is every shopper’s dream come true when in Sydney. Starting at the bottom level Victoria’s Basement, you work your way up to the more fancier stores, finding a range of exquisite items like art, jewellery, antiques, clothes, shoes and just about anything else you could think of buying here. Be it international brands like Bath and Body Works, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Swarovski and many more names, you’ll be lost at where to start first.

Food at Queen Victoria Building

The Queen Victoria Building is not just about shopping and amazing architecture. Reflecting Sydney’s cosmopolitan nature, you’ll find a number of mouth-watering cuisines at the restaurants here, such as Thai, South East Asian, Japanese, Australian, Fast food and baked goods. There are also quite a few cafes here for those looking for something light along with a refreshing cup of coffee after a long day spent here.

Guided Tours at Queen Victoria Building

This tour is perfect for those of you looking to learn the history of Queen Victoria Building, starting from its design and conception to all the renovations and restorations that have made it the crowd-puller it is today. Witness the striking features of QVB such as the glass-stained windows, the Royal clock, the Great Australian Clock and other architectural highlights that make this building a Heritage listed one. A Special Tour on thursday involves delicious high tea at the Tearoom at the end of the tour.

1. QVB Guided Tours
Timings: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 11:30 AM,
Cost: AUD 15,
Duration: 45 Minutes,

2. High Tea Tour
Timings: Thursday: 11:30 AM,
Cost: AUD 65,
Duration: 45 Minutes followed by High Tea

History of Queen Victoria Building

Queen Victoria Building Sydney in 1850 — The Queen Victoria Building was Designed to Replace the Markets of Sydney in the 19th Century (Source)

The site of the Queen Victoria Building traces its history back to 1842, part of the inception and incorporation of Sydney Town. Originally the sites of the Municipal Markets of Sydney, the design for the Queen Victoria Building began in 1884 by George McRae, a Scottish architect responsible for many of the buildings in Sydney during this time. Incorporating elements of four unique architectural styles, Gothic, Renaissance, Queen Anne and Romanesque, the building was built in 1898. After being used as the City Library, a concert hall and oscillating between various other uses, it was finally made into the fabulous commercial space it is today.

Attractions at Queen Victoria Building

Great Australian Clock Queen Victoria Building Sydney — The Great Australian Clock at Queen Victoria Building Features Various Scenes From Australian History (Source)

Rife with historical architectural elements, every inch of Queen Victoria Building is sure to fascinate you. Some of these features include:

The Royal Clock, a mechanical clock that features animation of Royal processions
The Great Australian Clock, a mechanical clock that features 33 scenes of Australian history
The Vintage Lift, a lever and chain lift just like the olden days
Queen’s Letter, a letter from Queen Elizabeth II written in 1986, to be opened and read to the people of Sydney in 2085
The Central Dome, a massive glass and copper dome that allows a lot of natural light in
The Tea Room, the venue for high tea modeled after a Grand Ballroom of the 19th century.

How to Reach Queen Victoria Building

Queen Victoria Building York Street Sydney — The Queen Victoria Building, Located on George Street, is Close to Sydney Landmarks like the Town Hall (Source)

The Queen Victoria Building is located on George Street in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Depending on your desired method of transport, there are various ways you can reach QVB.

By Bus: Bus 441 will take you directly to the QVB Bus Stop on York Street. Alternatively, one can also take Buses 340, 504, 506, 507, 515, 518, 520, M20, M30, M50, M52, N10, N11, N20, N30, N40, N50, N60, N61, N70, N71, N80, N81 and N91 to the Town Hall Bus Station at Park Street, a 3 minute walk from QVB.
By Train: Trains CCN, SCO, T1, T2, T3, T4, T7, T8 and T9 can be taken to the Town Hall Station on George Street, a 2 minute walk from Queen Victoria Building.
By Car: Queen Victoria Building can be found on George Street and York Street, close to landmarks of Sydney like the Town Hall, Sydney Tower Eye and Hyde Park